Proof U.S. Going Backwards Not Forwards

The organization known as the 'American Legislative Exchange Council' (ALEC) is floating the idea that part of the 17th amendment be rolled back.

The 17th amendment (first adopted on May 31, 1913) requires U.S. Senators be elected directly by voters. Previously they were chosen by each state's legislators.

ALEC has drafted a proposal whereby...
"Any qualified elector, who has not been nominated as a candidate by primary election or by party committee, may be nominated as a candidate for the United States Senate..." by states' legislative bodies.


ALEC is not something to be taken lightly. They are a influential conservative group who claim to have 14 current or former governors as members. Around 85 members of the U.S. congress and more then 2,000 state legislators from throughout the United States. Although this idea has been floating around for years, it has gained renewed momentum with the emergence of the 'Tea Party'.



COMMENTARY
State Of Main Tea Party (2012)

No, this wasn't a Mensa Society gathering. I assume you already figured that out :-)
It seems rather ironic ignorant to me that 'The Tea Party', who claims they want smaller less powerful local, state and federal governments, would now be in favor of relinquishing more power to government. Yet many of those who make up ALEC also are candidates supported by 'Tea Party'.

Getting A Foot Inside The Door
Granted the draft proposal only calls for allowing state legislators to recommend candidates to run alongside those not chosen by a political party on the ballot. But somehow I can't imagine those selected by state legislators and who manage to win a seat would not be so inclined as to not wanting to secure their position by making every effort towards repealing the 17th completely.

It's also likely they'd vote in favor of issues that would please state legislators over those of individual voters.

I have my doubts this will get off the ground. On the other hand, I bet when the 17th amendment was first proposed the opposition didn't think it would either.